On Tuesday I wrote about transitions and how important it is to translate rhythms from your old home into your new life. This requires some practice and effort. Sometimes it also requires pain, especially when it comes to friends you have to leave behind.
We are really blessed in comparison to what friendships looked like a few decades ago. Facebook, Skype, Email, Letters, Instagram – we have countless ways to stay connected with friends, even if we don’t live in the same place anymore. But are we really more connected?
Every time I moved (and this happened a couple of times) I saw friendships hitting a crossroad. We had to say goodbye, but we also had to figure out how our friendship would look like from now on. Most of the time this happened rather naturally and we never really talked about.
And many times, the first goodbye was also final and I somehow lost touch with some dear people.
This makes me sad very often; I wonder how many friendships even survive the constant moving. Making friends as an adult is incredibly hard and I don’t want to do it over and over again.
In times like these I am immensly grateful for the friendships that do survive. There are some great people in my life who make the effort to stay in touch. Despite the distance and the busy lifestlyes we manage to find ways to share thoughts and lives.
Like A who I used to meet up with in my old home for dinners and movies. She was an expert in finding great films and hidden treasures. We don’t see each other often now, but when you read an email from her, you feel like she’s talking with you.
Like S who I used to visit once a week to see my precious little godson. Being away from them is definitely hard, but pictures help a little bit. Whenever I have a bad day, P’s smiling face makes it better instantly.
Like T who lives on a different continent and most of our friendship happens online. She still writes messages and hanging out on Skype is a real treat.
Of course, none of these ways beats meeting up in person, but translating the way we live friendships can help bridge the distance a little.
Writing for Five Minute Friday today.
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Nice article! I just really hope this doesn’t happen to me. I’m still 15 and have my friends with me right now, but the only reason I don’t want to grow up is because I’m scared to lose my friends.
Don’t be! Yes, there are definitely cool things about being young and in one place, but there are so many new things to discover you don’t want to miss! My mom always says that you can’t grasp new opportunities when you hold on too tight to the old ones…
There is so much truth in this post. It can be so hard to make and keep friendships. Thinking of you today. I’m in the 35 spot this week.
Thank you, Tara, for being such a faithful reader!